1. What Is Battery Cycle Life?

Cycle life refers to how many full charge–discharge cycles a battery can complete before its capacity drops to a defined threshold, usually 70–80% of its original capacity.

Typical specifications include:

• 500 cycles @ 80% DOD

• 800 cycles @ 100% DOD

• 1500 cycles @ 1C

In simple terms:

More cycles = Longer battery lifespan = Lower total cost for your business.

2. How Is Cycle Life Tested?

Different factories use different testing standards, which is why the same battery model may show different cycle life numbers.

Standard Testing Process

1. Charge with standard current (0.5C) to 4.2V / 3.65V

2. Discharge with standard current (0.5C) to the cutoff voltage

3. Repeat the cycle continuously

4. Record the capacity decay curve until it drops to 80%

Key Factors That Influence Cycle Life

Cycle life numbers are only comparable when test conditions are the same.

3. Typical Cycle Life of Different Cell Chemistries

4. Why Cycle Life Matters for B2B Buyers

✔ Lower after-sales & warranty costs

A short-lifespan battery means high return rates and higher replacement cost.

✔ Better customer satisfaction

End users complain most about battery degradation; longer life = fewer issues.

✔ Lower long-term TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

Even if LFP costs more upfront, its lifespan is often 2–3× longer than NCM.

5. How B2B Buyers Can Verify Cycle Life Data

1. Request exact cell brand + model

Example:

• EVE 29E

• Samsung 35E

• Lishen LR2170

• CATL LF105

Official datasheets clearly list cycle life under standard conditions.

2. Ask for a complete cycle-life test report

A valid report must include:

• Temperature

• Charge/Discharge current

• DOD (Depth of Discharge)

• Capacity retention curve

No curve = data not trustworthy.

3. Check consistency data

Professional factories provide:

• Voltage consistency

• Internal resistance consistency

• Capacity consistency

Better consistency → more stable cycle life.

4. Judge by price realism

Ultra-cheap “500-cycle NCM” packs usually use downgraded cells (B-grade/C-grade), true lifespan often < 300 cycles.

6. Recommended Cycle Life by Application Scenario

Choose according to your business model — not marketing numbers.